Discussion note: Challenges and Aspirations of University Language Centres with Particular Reference to Croatia

Author:

Poljaković, Ivan

Abstract:

The recent political, social and economic changes in Europe have had a great
impact on higher education, in particular with regard to foreign language teaching
at universities. This has resulted in an increased need for foreign language
teaching at universities especially among non-philological studies. The expansion
of new language centres has been a step forward in meeting the challenges of the
Bologna Process and the emerging multilingual Europe. Language centres play an
important role in second language learning especially in teaching foreign
languages for specific purposes. However, they have not always been on equal
terms with modern language departments and other non-linguistic departments.
Language centre staff are often treated with mistrust, and misconception of their
work is not uncommon. Several changes need to occur to improve the status of
language centres. Firstly, the teaching staff should take more initiatives in
researchwhich would ensure a better standing and a more adequate status within
the higher education institution they operate in. Furthermore, universities should
develop language policies to promote foreign language learning according to the
European Council recommendations. This would contribute to a more harmonious
cooperation between language centres and other departments at universities.
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